Root canal dental handpiece

Abstract

This invention is a new handpiece for performing semi-automatic root canal procedures. The handpiece is a lightweight, low rpm, cordless and rechargeable file motor. The file is spun in a counter clockwise direction while the entire handpiece is moved in a clockwise direction. The reduction in counter torques minimalize breakage of files and prepares the canal walls evenly and equally. Root canals can be performed more efficiently and effectively with this new device and method of using.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A root canal handpiece, comprising: a substantially cylindrical hollow rearward member having first and second ends;   a hollow forward member having first and second ends, said first end of said hollow forward member being fixedly connected to said second end of said rearward member;   the interior of said hollow rearward member and said hollow forward member defining a continuous extending longitudinally arranged hollow chamber therein and the exterior of said hollow rearward member and said hollow forward member defining a handle for a root canal file;   a rotatable selector switch rotatably connected to and capping said first end of said rearward member;   an internally rotatable gear head assembly having a free end for receiving said root canal file therein for rotation in a counter clockwise direction, wherein said internally rotatable gear head is removeably connected to said second end of said forward member and positioned in said hollow chamber;   power means for rotating said gear head internally, said rotating power means being contained within said hollow chamber whereby when the handpiece is rotated clockwise, said root canal file is rotated in a counter clockwise direction to obtain a more effective cutting of a root canal in a tooth.   
     
     
       2. A root canal handpiece as recited in claim 1, wherein said rotating power means comprises: a rechargeable power source having positive and negative poles;   a motor having first and second ends, said second end electrically contacting said positive pole of said rechargeable power source;   a shaft fixedly connected to said gear head and said first end of said motor such that when said motor rotates said gear head internally rotates; and   means for electrically wiring said motor to said negative pole of said power source whereby a closed circuit is formed therefrom.   
     
     
       3. A root canal dental handpiece as recited in claim 2, wherein said wiring means further comprises; means for switching said closed circuit open or closed; and   an actuation button for operating said switching means, said actuation button mounted through said forward member.   
     
     
       4. A root canal dental handpiece as recited in claim 3, wherein, said rotatable selector switch has at least two positions such that said wiring circuit can be continuously or intermittently closed.   
     
     
       5. A root canal dental handpiece as recited in claim 4, wherein, said rotatable selector switch electrically reverses said wiring means so as to allow said motor to rotate in two opposite directions.   
     
     
       6. A root canal dental handpiece as recited in claim 5, wherein, said hollow forward member has a pair of symmetrically positioned curves on the outer surface of said hollow forward member, said curves sloping downward from a top portion of said hollow forward member to a bottom portion of said hollow forward member;   said hollow forward member has a depression on said top portion; and   said rearward and said forward members have a pair of longitudinal grooved flats, symmetrically located on the continuous outer surface of said rearward and said forward members.   
     
     
       7. A root canal dental handpiece as recited in claim 6, wherein, said motor rotates a file properly positioned within said gear head between 350 and 750 rotations per minute.   
     
     
       8. A method for performing a root canal, comprising the steps: rotating a root canal file counterclockwise about its own longitudinal axis;   inserting said file within a root canal;   applying said file to the wall of said root canal; and   moving said file in a clockwise cyclic rotation against the inner circumference of said root canal wall.